Jeffery A. Hadl

Jeffery Alan Hadl, 58, of Coloma, Michigan died Friday, July 14, 2006 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph, Michigan. Jeff was born April 3, 1948 in Berwyn, Illinois to Clyde and Pearl (Andrews) Hadl. He married Joyce Wescoat in Monticello, Indiana on June 6, 1969. He attended Purdue University until enlisting in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He served in the Air Force from June 1970 until July 1977 as a Nuclear Measurement Technician. Jeff attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and served in San Antonio, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Sacramento, California; and Fairbanks, Alaska. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for work on the radiological environmental study of Eniwetok and Bikini Islands (atomic bomb test sites). While in the service, Jeff received an A.A.S. degree in Electronics Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. He returned to college as an adult and received a BS degree in Electronics Technology from Sienna Heights College and an A.A.S. degree in Drafting and Design from Lake Michigan College. Jeff has worked at the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in Covert, Michigan; Eagle Technologies in St Joseph, Michigan; and the Records Department of Berrien County in Stevensville, Michigan. Jeff was very involved with Boy Scouts of America on local, district, and national levels. He served as Cub master, Assistant District Commissioner, Assistant Scoutmaster, Advancement Chairman, District Camping Chairman, and District training staff. He was chosen to serve on the staff for the 1989, 1993, 1997 and 2001 National Boy Scout Jamborees. He was awarded the Commissioner Arrowhead Honor Award, the Leader’s Training Award and Scouter’s Key, the District Award of Merit, and the Silver Beaver Award. Jeff created a website for Boy Scout Troup 623 (www.bsatroop623.org). His proudest moments were when both his sons attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Jeff was a member of First Congregational Church UCC in St Joseph, Michigan and served on the Christian Board of Education. Survivors include his wife, Joyce; son Jeremy (Debra) Hadl of Dowagiac, Michigan; son Jonathan Hadl of Grand Rapids, Michigan; granddaughter Maggie Hadl of Dowagiac, Michigan; sister Melody Bardach of Indianapolis, Indiana; and father Clyde Hadl of Toledo, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his mother Pearl Hadl. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, July 18, at 4:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church UCC, 2001 Niles Avenue, St Joseph, Michigan, with Dr. Robert Braman officiating. With military rites conducted following the service; then Interment of his ashes in The Memorial Garden adjacent to the church. Services entrusted to Kerley-Starks &Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road St. Joseph. Memorial contributions in Jeff’s name may be made to Southwest Michigan Council Boy Scouts of America, 1035 West Maple Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008. Jeff chose to be an organ/tissue/eye transplant donor and contributions can be made to that organization by going to their website (www.giftoflifemichigan.org). Friends wishing to send a condolence my do so at the guestbook at www.starks-menchinger.com